How should we handle potty-training accidents?

No matter how frustrating they may be, accidents are best handled as matter of factly as possible. Calmly help your preschooler out of her wet clothes and into dry ones. If she wets the bed at night, clean her up and change the sheets, then put her back to bed. Try to be very low key, just as you are when she spills her milk or drops a cookie on the carpet. Although the temptation to scold may be great, it won't help speed along potty training, and neither will punishing your child. These tactics can set up a power struggle or make her feel bad about herself, which will only derail potty training.

Most children will have accidents for up to six months after they're potty trained. If you're seeing improvement, then things are probably progressing normally. If, however, your preschooler has more accidents than she has successful experiences using the potty, she may not yet be ready to train. Try again in a few weeks or months when she seems more receptive. If your child is adjusting to a big change, such as moving to a new home or getting to know a new sibling, wait until things settle down before revisiting potty training. If you're concerned that something else is causing your preschooler to have trouble with potty training, make an appointment with her pediatrician to discuss the situation.

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